It probably all started with Martina Navratilova. She was the first Czech tennis player who thrilled with her style and her successes. Those were different times. In fact, she competed as Czechoslovakian until she fled to the United States in 1975, seeking a lifestyle that suited her better. It was the years of the Cold War and for the socialist regime of Prague, it was a low blow. But above politics, Navratilova planted a seed in the Czech Republic. She did so especially with her achievements at Wimbledon, where she won the singles title on nine occasions. Half of the 18 Grand Slam titles she won were on the grass of the All England Club in south London, where she also lifted seven more titles in doubles and four in mixed doubles.